In addition to adding not one but two mezzanine levels, Rhiss Interior also introduced clever storage solutions to optimise space in this tiny apartment.
27 August 2024
Home Type: 1-bedroom apartment
Floor Area: 400sqft
Text by Disa Tan
Love inspiring stories of small spaces turned spacious? Well, this pocket-sized resale apartment designed by interior designer Amos Chin from Rhiss Interior definitely counts as one of them. Amos’ goal was to boost the home’s slim footprint in the most effectively way possible, and that meant capitalising on this tiny apartment’s 4.1-metre ceiling height in the living area and master bedroom.
Precise plans were made to erect two mezzanine levels in both areas. He says: “We had to be meticulous with the measurements and consider the homeowner’s height. There had to be a comfortable allowance for her to move around the mezzanine without stooping or straining her back.” Fortunately, a 1.7-metre height allowance for the mezzanine levels sufficed.
Now a cosy reading nook, the mezzanine level in the living area can be accessed via a flight of stairs with hidden storage built within. The stairs have a two-sided divider – one for stair railings and the other for a television wall. To increase the fixture’s functionality, Amos even included a pull-out tabletop from Häfele to serve as a compact dining table. Handy storage compartments within the television wall allow the homeowner to tuck away folding dining chairs to keep this compact space uncluttered.
With the existing kitchen and the marble flooring still in relatively good condition, Amos and the homeowner decided to retain them. That kept the overall renovation cost at $30,000. He did, however, install new cove lighting in the kitchen and with it being near the front entrance, the warm light fills the space with a welcoming sense of arrival.
The parquet flooring in the master bedroom was kept as well, but the homeowner requested for a study table in the room. To accommodate it, the sleeping area is allocated on the mezzanine level and enclosed by a glass divider that visually enhances the sense of space.
A custom-built staircase with hidden storage leads up to the mezzanine level. It is seamlessly integrated with the study desk and serves as structural support for the table while keeping the dimensions compact.
Ample wardrobe storage has been worked into the base of the staircase and functions well as the homeowner’s walk-in closet. While the master bathroom has been kept in its original state, Amos has ensured that the entire colour scheme for this ensuite and the master bedroom is perfectly aligned in timeless neutral tones.
Even with this apartment being on the petite side, no effort was spared by Amos to turn it into a highly functional and comfortable home.
Rhiss Interior
www.rhissinterior.com
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